With Launch of New TV Service, T-Mobile Takes Aim at AT&T's DirecTV

As Dallas-based AT&T ramps up its focus on entertainment, it's getting new competition from an old rival. T-Mobile announced today that it's launching a TV service in the Dallas area and plans to debut streaming services later this year.TVision Home will launch on April 14. The new service has a lineup of live channels like traditional cable or satellite TV services, but T-Mobile is touting its streamlined and higher-tech approach. It has a sleek set-top box, supports 4K (or ultra high-definition) channels and learns customer's viewing habits so it can suggest shows they might like. The service also plugs in to social media and smart devices, allowing a customer to check Twitter or monitor the front door with their Nest security camera on-screen and change channels with the help of their Amazon Echo or Google Assistant.The service is a rebranded and upgraded version of Layer3 TV, a Denver-based company that entered the Dallas market about two years ago. T-Mobile bought Layer3 for $325 million last year to set the stage for its expansion into TV and streaming services.  Continue reading...